Annacone replaces Lundgren as Davis Cup coach

Peter Lundgren, Britain's Davis Cup coach who embarrassed his Lawn Tennis Association bosses during Wimbledon last year, has resigned from his position and will be replaced by head of men's tennis, Paul Annacone.

Lundgren, who is thought to have had a contract for working around 15 weeks per year, leaves less than a year after he is reported to have slurred his words at a major pre-Wimbledon coaching seminar.

While there has been no repeat of that incident, it is believed that general lifestyle issues have been a factor in the departure of the hefty 45-year-old Swede, with the LTA insistent that their coaches set a good example in the drive to lift standards of professionalism among young British players.

Another major factor is that he no longer works individually with Davis Cup players such as Alex Bogdanovic, who is now under the guidance of Andy Murray's ex-coach Brad Gilbert.

Lundgren has also been keen to spend more time in his native country where his father is unwell.

American Annacone, a former coach to Tim Henman, said: 'I'm really looking forward to working with [Davis Cup captain] John Lloyd and being part of the Cup team.

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'It's a key competition in the tennis calendar and is always a unique occasion for everyone involved.

'In my role as head coach of men's tennis I've spent a great deal of time working with players who have already represented Great Britain and players who are on the fringes of the team.

'Hopefully, this will enable me to have a positive impact in a very effective and efficient way.

'Winning in September and staying in the World Group is obviously a key focus for us, but just as vital is working with those younger players who may be capable of stepping up and thriving in a Davis Cup environment in the near future.'

Great Britain's opponents in September's World Group play-offs will be announced on April 16.

British involvement at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami has long since ended, and it has been left to Andy Roddick and Roger Federer to set up a tasty semi-final after the American beat Julien Benneteau 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.